Third Grade Science
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FIRST SIX WEEKS
2
SECOND SIX WEEKS
4
THIRD SIX WEEKS
7
FOURTH SIX WEEKS
9
SIX SIXTH WEEKS
11
First Six Weeks
Title:
Grade level:
Jiminy Crickets! Exploring the Scientific
Method
Subject(s):
Third Grade
Science
First/2,3
Six Weeks/CPG:
Description:
How do scientists conduct science? In this program, student scientists will explore
the scientific method by observing cricket behavior. Students will record their
observations, make hypotheses, conduct experiments and discuss results. At the end
of the program, the students will be asked to propose their own questions and
perform their own experiment. This program provides a great follow-up to any
lesson plan on the scientific method.
Objectives:
Learning Standard: 1003 Plan and implement descriptive investigations including
asking well-defined questions, formulating testable hypothesis, and selecting and
using equipment and technology.
The participant will:
o explore the scientific method by observing cricket interactions
o formulate questions and hypotheses
o conduct experiments
Content Provider/Project Creator:
Michigan State University Museum
Wiline Pangle
office@virtualoutreach.org
MSU Museum/ Michigan State University
West Circle Drive
East Lansing, MI 48824
United States
Phone: (517) 353-3882
Cost (subject to change):
FREE
Link for more information:
http://www.virtualoutreach.org
Title:
Grade level:
Kites, Wings & Flying Things
Third Grade
Subject(s):
Six Weeks/ CPG:
Science
First/3
Description:
This 30- minute program explores some of the ideas and concepts the Wright
brothers used to create their 1903 Flyer. Students actively participate in comparing
the materials and control systems of kites with the 1903 Flyer, as well as learn about
airfoils and how they create lift. Students use their inquiry skills to make
observations first hand from the original 1903 Flyer which is on display in one of the
museum's galleries. Materials and suggested classroom activities for use prior to the
program are included. A pre-lesson videoconference with the teacher is a
participation requirement.
Objectives:
Learning Standard: 2001 Observe and Identify simple systems.
After participating in this lesson, students will be able to:
o compare/contrast two compound machines: a bicycle and the Wright 1903
Flyer
o verbally explain how airplanes have to be controlled in three axis
o tell why aeronautical concepts should and can be tested as models first
o describe some of the materials used to build the first airplane
o show how fabric interacts on the grain and on the bias
o demonstrate how fabric placed on the bias is more flexible than fabric placed
on the grain
Content Provider/Project Creator:
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Cost (subject to change):
FREE
Link for more information:
http://www.cilc.org/search/content-provider-program.aspx?id=1532
Reservations for this lesson must be submitted no less than one month in advance of
the requested date.
$100.00 if cancelled less than one week prior to lesson
Second Six Weeks
Title:
Grade level:
Animals of the Prairie
Third Grade
Subject(s):
Six Weeks/ CPG:
Science
Second/1,2
Description:
The grasslands of the Midwest are full of a wide range of animal life with amazing
adaptations. Nestled in the heart of sandsage prairie, the Lee Richardson Zoo will introduce
you to some remarkable prairie wildlife.
Objectives:
Learning Standard: 2014 Observe and describe the habitats of organism within an ecosystem.
o understand the effects of widespread agricultural practices on the prairie
o learn about associated live animals
o describe the animals that live in the prairie ecosystem
Content Provider/Project Creator:
Lee Richardson Zoo
Contact: Misty Ayers
mayers@garden-city.org
312 Finnup Drive
Garden City, KS 67846
United States
Phone: (620) 276-1250
Fax: (620) 276-1259
Cost (subject to change):
FREE
Link for more information:
http://www.cilc.org/search/content-provider-program.aspx?id=1122
IMPORTANT!! I REQUIRE A 2 WEEK NOTICE IN ORDER TO SCHEDULE A
PROGRAM! I AM ALSO UNABLE TO SCHEDULE ANYTHING FURTHER THAN 3
MONTHS INTO THE FUTURE.
Title:
Grade level:
Diorama Exchange
Third Grade
Subject(s):
Six Weeks/ CPG:
Science
Second/1,2
Description:
Students will use shoe boxes to create the habitat of a chosen organism and its
environment. The classes will select the top three dioramas and share with the
collaboration class: the environment, habitat and adaptations of their organism or living
creature.
Objectives:
Learning Standard: 2014 Observe and describe the habitats of organisms within an
ecosystem.
o Students will explain that an environment includes the location of the organism.
o Students will show how their organism adapt and change with their environment.
o Classes will exchange their projects by describing the habitats of the organisms
they selected and utilizing the principles of accountable talk to answer questions
from the groups.
Content Provider/Project Creator:
Schools will be responsible for requesting the collaborating school. For a list of schools
with IVC equipment see: http://www.dallasisd.org/inside_disd/depts/instapps/ivc.htm
Cost (subject to change):
FREE
Link for more information:
http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/dioramas/ This link provides examples of real life
exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
Title:
Grade level:
Eat or Be Eaten
Third Grade
Subject(s):
Six Weeks/ CPG:
Science
Second/1,2
Description:
This program provides a virtual tour of the center focusing in studying the orca and sea
lion eating habits. Utilizing the scientific method, students are guided to discover that
there are two types of killer whales eating two separate food chains.
Objectives:
Learning Standard: 2014 Observe and describe the habitats of organism within an
ecosystem.
o Explain how energy is transferred from non-living sources to numerous animals in
a chain and web-like structure.
o Describe some adaptations of these animals and how those are important to their
survival.
Recognize four species that complete a food chain and identify their roles in the
chain.
Develop an appreciation for these animals, the delicate balance of ecosystems to
support them and the need to conserve these habitats.
Content Provider/Project Creator:
Alaska Sea Life Center
Cost (subject to change):
$155.00
Link for more information:
http://www.alaskasealife.org/
Third Six Weeks
Title:
Grade level:
Sense of Adaptation
Third Grade
Subject(s):
Six Weeks/ CPG:
Science
Third/5,6
Description:
In this program, student scientists will examine the world around them and record
their observations using their senses. Students will create their own scientific
drawings and test their knowledge with hands-on materials included with each
program. Viewing photos and real museum objects complete the experience, making
it a perfect addition to existing lesson plans and classroom activities
Objectives:
Learning Standard: 4002 Analyze how adaptive characteristics (such as plant parts,
animal parts-feet, teeth, mouths, ears, eyes, and body coverings) help individuals
within a species to survive and reproduce.
The students will:
o explore animal adaptations using their 5 senses
o touch feathers and fur and learn their adaptative importance
o perform a napkin exercise to demonstrate the strength of an egg shell
o draw their own cricket and its unique adaptative features
Content Provider/Project Creator:
Michigan State University Museum
Wiline Pangle
office@virtualoutreach.org
MSU Museum/ Michigan State University
West Circle Drive
East Lansing, MI 48824
United States
Phone: (517) 353-3882
Fax: (517) 423-2846
Cost (subject to change):
FREE
Schedule this program at www.virtualoutreach.org by filling out the field-trip
request form. Please attempt to schedule this program at least 2 weeks in advance to
allow the shipment of activity package.
Link for more information:
http://museum.msu.edu/ProgramsandPartnerships/Educational/VirtualOutreach/
Title:
Grade level:
Rock'n Rainforest
Third Grade
Subject(s):
Six Weeks/ CPG:
Science
Third/2,4
Description:
Rainforests rock! Did you know you can walk for a mile through a tropical
rainforest and never see the same plant or animal twice?!! Tropical rainforests
provide the world with amazing diversity and resources. See for yourself how
important these 'stand of trees' are and even explore some not so tropical
rainforests.
Objectives:
Learning Standard 4001 Observe and identify characteristics among species (such
as plant parts, animal parts – feet, teeth, mouths, ears, eyes, and body coverings)
that allow each to survive and reproduce.
Participants will:
o learn where rainforests can be found
o learn why rainforests exist
o learn the characteristics of rainforest with regard to temperature, rainfall,
plants, and animals
o Explore the numerous rainforest products that humans use
o Learn about the four levels of rainforests
o Realize what they can do in their community to conserve the rainforest
Content Provider/Project Creator:
Lee Richardson Zoo
Misty Ayers mayers@garden-city.org
312 Finnup Drive
Garden City, KS 67846
United States
Phone: (620) 276-1250
Fax: (620) 276-1259
Cost (subject to change):
FREE
Link for more information:
http://www.garden-city.org/zoo/education/distancelearning.htm
Important! 2 Weeks notice in order to schedule a program! Unable to schedule
anything further than 3 months into the future.
Fourth Six Weeks
Title:
Grade level:
Mixed Up Mixtures and Solutions
Third Grade
Subject(s):
Six Weeks/ CPG:
Science
Fourth/
Description:
During Mixed up Mixtures and Solutions, students are encouraged investigate and
explore various scientific principles. What is the difference between a mixture and a
solution? and how can we apply the scientific method to exciting experiments?
Objectives:
Learning Standard 3001 Gather information including temperature, magnetism,
hardness, and mass using appropriate tools to identify physical properties of matter.
Students will
o To increase understanding of the scientific method.
o To investigate with demonstrations and hands-on experiments the characteristics
of mixtures and solutions.
o Begin to understand molecules and their characteristics.
Content Provider/Project Creator:
Life Science Education Center at Marian College
Education
education@hooksdlc.org
3200 Cold Spring Road
Indianapolis, IN 46222
United States
Phone: (317) 951-2222
Fax: (317) 951-2224
Cost (subject to change):
$100.00
Link for more information:
http://www.lifescienceed.org/
Fifth Six Weeks
Title:
Grade level:
Our Solar Neighborhood
Third Grade
Subject(s):
Six Weeks/ CPG:
Science
Fifth/5,6
Description:
During this event, students will exchange information about the distinctive planets
orbiting one massive star, our sun. They will learn about current NASA missions and
how the information gathered is used to further space exploration.
Objectives:
Learner Standard 3019: Identify the planets in our solar system and their position in
relation to the Sun.



discuss, the scale and size of each planet and its distance from the sun.
identify the inner and outer planets of the solar system.
list physical characteristics of the planets
Content Provider/Project Creator:
NASA Digital Learning Network
Cost (subject to change):
Free
Link for more information:
http://dln.nasa.gov – Cart Manager must have registered the school prior to requesting
the video conferencing following the steps outlined on the log in page. Teleconference
must be requested 30 days prior to the desired date.
Sixth Six Weeks
Title:
Grade level:
Earth According to WORF
Third Grade
Subject(s):
Six Weeks/ CPG:
Science
Sixth/3,4
Description:
In this teleconference, students will view data acquired by astronauts through
images from space and relate it to the geography of the Earth.
Objectives:
Learner Standard 3017 – Identify and record properties of soil such as color and
texture, capacity to retain water, and ability to support the growth of plants.




Define geographic features by analyzing photographs taken from space.
Describe how geographers use data collected from remote sensing to answer
questions about physical and human interactions on our planet through
examination of NASA images.
Use interpretive skills with NASA images to identify observable
characteristics that provide new insights and understandings about the
physical and human aspects of our planet.
Compare changes between two images from the same location at different
time periods and predict future outcomes.
Content Provider/Project Creator:
NASA Digital Learning Network
Cost (subject to change):
FREE
Link for more information:
dln.nasa.gov – Cart Manager must have registered the school prior to requesting the
video conferencing following the steps outlined on the log in page. Teleconference
must be requested 30 days prior to the desired date.